EVEN THOUGH WE know, logically, that going to the dentist is a safe, normal, and important part of staying healthy, many of us don’t find it particularly fun to lie flat on our backs while someone pokes around our teeth and gums. For some people, the very thought of visiting the dentist fills them with anxiety, and it could even be a full-blown phobia. That’s why we’d like to put our focus on helping our patients overcome their dental anxieties and fears with pain-free dentistry.
Dental Anxiety Statistics: You Are Not Alone
Fear of going to the dentist is fairly common, with an estimated nine to 15 percent of Americans completely avoiding visiting the dentist because of anxiety and fear. That means up to 40 million Americans are taking a serious gamble with their dental health. Putting off a basic twice-a-year cleaning out of fear leaves patients much more susceptible to tooth decay and painful infection. It’s always better (for your wallet as well as your health) to view dental care as preventative, not just reactive.
Why Does Dental Anxiety Happen?
A lot of people who avoid the dentist due to dental anxiety or fear do so because of a previous negative experience they had that soured them on the concept of dentistry altogether. The feeling of not being in control is another reason people might be nervous. We understand this, and we’re dedicated to helping our patients feel comfortable so that they can move forward with the right professional oral health care to keep their teeth strong and healthy for life.
History and Pop Culture Skew Versus Modern Dentistry
If you’re worried about going to the dentist, that might be because history and pop culture have given you the wrong idea. Before World War II made anesthetics the norm, dental procedures were uncomfortable, to say the least. The field has come a long way since then, even though movies and TV haven’t done much to update cultural expectations about pain-free dentistry. Modern dental offices maintain a high standard of comfort and care for patients.
Tips for Overcoming Dental Anxiety
There are a few things you can do to reduce your dental anxiety.
- Come visit our practice before your appointment, especially if this is your first time coming in. Familiarize yourself with our space and members of our staff so that it doesn’t seem so foreign on appointment day. You might even want to bring someone you trust along with you.
- Learn as much as you can about what happens in a typical dental appointment. If you take away the mystery, it will help you regain a sense of control.
- Talk to us about your anxiety. When we know this is something you struggle with, there’s more we can do to help you.
- Bring a distraction like headphones and a playlist of relaxing music to your appointment.
Pain-Free Dentistry
One of the ways we help patients with their dental anxiety at GT Dental Centre is by eliminating any discomfort or pain from a procedure. How do we do this? We use “the Wand,” a local anesthesia system for a single tooth without numbing the lip or the face. The Wand eliminates the initial pain of anesthetic injections during dental work.
Most people think that the pain from injections is from the needle poking through the skin. But the actual pain is from injecting the anesthetic too quickly. With The Wand, the computer slows down the local anesthetics, so there is no pain.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dental Professionals
Your care and comfort are our top priorities. If you or someone in your family struggles with dental anxiety and it’s interfering with getting needed dental care, we’d love to schedule a time for you to come to our practice so that you can get used to the facility and get to know our team. We can answer any questions you may have. You can also check out our business page to learn more.